Dr. Elisabeth Gruner
Grading Standards for Revised Work1

"A" work is consistently superior. It commands attention on its own right, taking the assigned topic as an occasion for thoughtful and extended development of an original idea. It shows a clear familiarity with the ideas and works for the course and uses them to present an individual insight or viewpoint with enough fullness and cogency to command readers' respect, if not their assent. "A" work is generally free of grammatical errors, and uses language clearly and with sophistication.

"B" work is good, meeting all the assignment's expectations with competence. It states a substantive thesis and develops it with evidence from the text(s). While it may not have the subtlety or sophistication of "A" work, it provides a thoroughly developed response to the question, demonstrating a command of the material and a well-thought-out argument. The structure and development of the "B" essay should also be competent, demonstrating the writer's ability to focus, select supporting details and organize them effectively, and write concisely and clearly.

"C" work is adequate. It states a thesis which can be supported with evidence; however, it may not use evidence as flexibly or state as adequate a thesis as work receiving higher grades. Often "C" work has only negative virtues--that is, it is not seriously flawed but has no striking insights either. Generally, "C" work demonstrates mastery of the material or of an argument, but usually not both; often it lacks stylistic sophistication, thorough development, and/or sufficient use of supportive evidence.

"D" work falls short in one or more of the following categories: thesis, development with evidence, style, structure. It is clearly inadequate, failing to answer the question fully or to express a substantial thesis. Usually "D" work also demonstrates serious errors in grammar or usage; persistent minor errors alone will not usually elicit a "D" except in combination with other problems.

"F" denotes clear failure to understand either the assignment or the conventions of written work. This grade usually indicates that the student cannot competently perform the tasks required in the course: either analysis, argument, or both.

Two more points:

1- While writing is a process, grades respond only to a product. Neither effort nor intention can be rewarded with a grade, only achievement. It is important, therefore, to produce as error-free a product as possible; spell-check alone will not catch everything. Proofread and edit!

2- Punitive grades for lateness can seriously harm your grade average: an "A" becomes a "C", for example, in about a week (at a third of a grade per day). Calculate the risks of lateness accordingly.

1 * Any work you turn in for a grade is assumed to have been revised at least once; that is, you should always draft your work, review, edit, and revise before turning in. Some work may be revised after the receipt of a grade, at the discretion of the instructor.